Accurate Yield Data Depends on Combine Calibration In 2025

By Andi Anderson

As harvest season approaches in 2025, farmers know that every bushel counts—not just in the grain tank but also in the data collected.

Yield data is one of the most powerful tools on today’s farms, guiding fertility programs, hybrid selection, and variable-rate planting. However, this information is only useful if yield monitors are properly calibrated.

Modern combines are packed with advanced technology, but accuracy still relies on calibration. Yield monitors work by measuring moisture and grain flow, and several components—including moisture sensors, mass flow sensors, and documentation hardware—must be maintained to ensure reliable readings.

Before harvest begins, checking key hardware is essential. Proper elevator chain tension keeps grain flow measurements accurate, feeder house lift switches must remain clear of obstructions, and sensors or camera lenses need regular cleaning. Skipping these steps can compromise yield data before the season even starts.

Calibration itself is non-negotiable. Without it, yield maps lose their value, leading to poor decisions later in fertility management or seed selection. Proper calibration also helps capture field variability, from dry upland acres to low-lying wet soils.

Farmers are advised to recalibrate when moisture changes by 2% or more, or when crop conditions shift.

There are two main calibration approaches. Single-point calibration is quicker, requiring one pass at a consistent speed, but it is less reliable under variable field conditions. Multi-point calibration, which involves multiple passes with different load sizes and speeds, is more accurate and better reflects changing harvest conditions.

Many farmers use grain carts equipped with scales to verify calibration. By comparing combine loads with certified scale weights, discrepancies can be identified and corrected, ensuring yield monitors provide dependable results.

As experts often note, yield maps are much like soil tests—they are only useful when accurate. For 2025, combine calibration remains one of the most critical steps in ensuring data-driven, profitable farming decisions.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-greer